HC Deb 22 July 1975 vol 896 cc272-4
4. Mr. Robin F. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the proposed expansion of facilities at Diego Garcia to be completed.

The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Roy Mason)

I understand that the Americans are planning to complete the proposed expansion by 1978, subject to congressional approval.

Mr. Cook

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the agreement with the United States of America for the use of the facilities at Diego Garcia precludes the handling or storage of nuclear weapons there, in view of the interest of neighbouring Slates in having the ocean declared a nuclear-free zone? Can he assure the House that the proposed expansion does not go beyond the modest one which he announced last December?

Mr. Mason

I can assure my hon. Friend on that latter point. He knows, however, that it is not the policy of any Government—ourselves or any previous administration—to confirm or deny the presence of nuclear weapons in locations, ships or aircraft. But because of the very modest developments on Diego Garcia, nuclear facilities will not be available.

Mr. Townsend

Does the Secretary of State agree that it is very much in our interests that this base should be developed, bearing in mind that the American fleet has to rely on Subic Bay, 4,000 miles away, for re-supply facilities? In view also of the increased Soviet interest in that part of the world, is it not important that our allies should have proper bases from which to operate?

Mr. Mason

I want first to correct the impression that it is a base. It is not a base. It is only a very austere communications facility for aircraft and ships. If the Americans manage to get congressional approval for this £37.8 million improvement, it will still be a very austere communications facility.

Mr. Dalyell

What is the difference between a base and an austere communications facility?

Mr. Mason

A base will supply facilities for replenishment, stores and recrea- tion, as distinct from merely signals and communications.

Mr. Younger

Can the Secretary of State say in what way the facility at Diego Garcia is regarded, if it is, as an alternative for the abandonment of Gan? In the context of the abandonment of Gan, what steps has the right hon. Gentleman taken to ensure that the facilities there, which were paid for by our money, will be denied to a hostile Power in the future?

Mr. Mason

The future of Gan will be subject to discussions through the Foreign Office with the Maldivian Government. But there is no comparison between Diego Garcia and Gan. Gan was a major air staging post on the Far East route. Diego Garcia is just a communications facility at this stage with an 8,000-ft. airstrip, which will be improved to 12,000 ft. if the Americans get congressional approval.